Legal Question in Business Law in California

Warehouse liability concern

Since Feb at my +800 unit self-storage warehouse they've cut back on services to the point where THE employee on duty leaves the bldg. open & unattended for about 1 hr/day to go to lunch & the bank. Per this being unsafe, their office was broken into last Sat. & petty cash taken. Their one manager reacted by saying anyone there past closing time will be evicted. My main concern is that my unit will be broken into; I carry no insurance on my items.

Two ?'s: 1) Considering this lax practice, could they be found liable should any of my property be stolen? 2) As I sometimes leave a few minutes late, is this idiot's new eviction policy legal? In answering these ?'s, please provide specific legal references. Thank you.


Asked on 9/20/04, 7:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Roy Hoffman Law Offices of Roy A. Hoffman

Re: Warehouse liability concern

The answer to both of your questions probably lies in the agreement you signed when you began renting your unit. Generally, if there is a disclaimer of liability the owners would be absolved of liability for most, if not all, losses. Similarly, the documents you signed when you first rented the space, as well as subsequently enacted rules and regulations which have been provided to you, govern the hours you are permitted to be on the premises. Check your documents. If you feel these policies are out of line, you can always move to another storage facility.

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Answered on 9/20/04, 7:56 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Warehouse liability concern

I would add to the previous answer that if the contract doesn't permit them to reduce hours and the reduced hours lead to a loss, the reduction is negligent and the storage operator could be held liable for your loss.

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Answered on 9/21/04, 11:28 am


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